MDOT to run bike path through Arenac County

MICHIGAN — Beginning in July, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin construction on a new “enhancement path” project along M-13 and US-23 through the Transportation Enhancement Program, a competitive grant program through MDOT designed to improve Michigan’s transportation system.

According to MDOT Bay Communications Representative Anita Richardson, the 52-mile, two-year project will widen the shoulders to eight feet (from three) on both sides of M-13 and US-23 from M-247 in Bay City north to Pinconning, through Arenac County on US-23, ending on the Iosco-Arenac County border.

“It’s a $4 million project and, this summer, construction has been scheduled to begin in June, 10 days after the project is awarded, and end around September,” Richardson said. She added throughout the construction, drivers should expect lane and shoulder closures for short periods of time.

She also says the project will consist of curb and gutter work in downtown areas as well as minor rumble strip improvements.

According to Arenac County Heritage Authority (ACHA) Chairman Curt Hillman, MDOT applied for grants through the Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fund the project.

“MDOT knew we (ACHA) had been trying to raise funding for a few little bike paths in Arenac County and they kind of did this all on their own,” Hillman said. “I’m not sure on the specifics of everything yet, or how it’ll affect our (ACHA) projects, but there’ll be an official from MDOT at the next Heritage Authority meeting to explain everything to us and I guess we’ll go from there.”